Merchants Bonding Co. begins work on HQ expansion in West Des Moines

Source: Business Record CRE

Merchants Bonding Co. has broken ground on its 34,000-square-foot expansion at its headquarters in West Des Moines, a project that company leaders say will increase the amenities for its employees and help the surety meet the growth it is experiencing nationwide.

Merchants Bonding Co., 6700 Westown Parkway, announced the expansion in May. In June, the Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax incentives for the company’s expansion, a $22 million investment that is expected to create 34 jobs over the next three years.

The company has grown from 116 employees when it began in 2015 to 160 today.

According to the company, the expansion will add state-of-the-art training space that can be used for associates as well as community partners. It will also add a foyer and event space next to the training space with access to a catering kitchen.

Other planned amenities include a custom beverage bar, an expanded wellness and fitness center with separate space for classes, such as yoga. The existing kitchen and cafe will be remodeled as a dedicated space for employees.

The addition is scheduled to be complete in December 2026.

Larry Taylor, chairman and president of Merchants Bonding Co., said the groundbreaking on the expansion marks a major milestone for the company and the community.

“It reflects our vision for growth and innovation,” Taylor said in emailed comments. “More than just a workplace, this will be a space where excellence, collaboration and first-class experiences will thrive.”